Reflective fabric bimini

[Windchase]

My cockpit awning is the usual dark blue acrylic - but the fabric itself gets hot in the sun and this heat radiates down so it's hotter underneath than it need be. So where do I find a reflective fabric strong and durable enough to make a replacement?

 

[michael_w]

Get your awning made out of the same acrylic canvas, just choose a lighter colour! Buff is better than white, which looks grubby in no time.

 

[Gypsy]

I agree with Michael_w. Our bimini is/was dark blue with the same oven effect. I had on off-white piece sewn over the top but kept a bit of blue at the side to match with the dodger. No real need to change the dodger as I have 2xsolar panels on top taking up the heat. Having the dark base material reduces the glare so I am not sure that I would go for full cream/white next time unless it could have a darker under side. BTW I am talking about hot sunny climes.
Ray

 

[Captain_Cava]

"Having the dark base material reduces the glare so I am not sure that I would go for full cream/white next time unless it could have a darker under side"[/quote

Does anyone else find the glare with white or buff material too uncomfortable?

 

[Windchase]

What I'm hoping to find is a metallised fabric - I have seen something like that used for car covers - I think that might solve both the heat and glare problems?

 

[tcm]

It's the colour, not the fabric. Get beige instead. If you lookat many hot air balloons beige or brown is used for top segements cos best against the sun.